Proposal for bus stop layout improvements - #8532 Ward Street at Blue Mountains Campus and Stop #9532 Ward Street opposite Blue Mountains Campus
Proposal for bus stop layout improvements - #8532 Ward Street at Blue Mountains Campus and Stop #9532 Ward Street opposite Blue Mountains Campus
Metlink is proposing improvements to Bus Stop #8532 Ward Street at Blue Mountains Campus and Stop #9532 Ward Street opposite Blue Mountains Campus to upgrade bus stop safety, comfort, and accessibility. This letter outlines the proposed changes and invites your feedback.
Proposal
Why this bus stop is being improved
The Blue Mountains Campus has recently been redeveloped, including the widening of road-facing driveways. This redevelopment has highlighted several operational and accessibility issues associated with the existing bus stops on Ward Street. Currently, the bus stops are unmarked, which has created confusion regarding where private vehicle parking is permitted. With changes to the Blue Mountains Campus entranceway, it is important to ensure these bus stops are clearly visible and located in safe and appropriate positions on the road.
To support safe and equitable access to the campus - and to ensure it remains accessible for all users, including people with reduced mobility, caregivers with prams, and cyclists - Metlink is taking the opportunity to upgrade these bus stops in line with NZTA’s Public Transport Design Guidelines.
A key objective of the upgrade is to enable buses to align parallel to the kerb, allowing for step-free boarding and disembarking for all passengers. Achieving this requires the installation of clearly marked bus stop boxes, along with entry and exit tapers (broken yellow lines), to ensure buses can access the kerb without obstruction.
At present, this level of access is not achievable at several locations, including Stops #8532 and #9532.
A site plan of the proposed layout is available below.
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Stop name
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Description of proposed changes
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Stop #8532 Ward Street at Blue Mountains Campus
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Stop #9532 Ward Street opposite Blue Mountains Campus
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Minimising the impact on parking
Metlink recognise the importance of on-street parking and have worked to minimise changes, therefore, entry and exit tapers have been shortened from the standard 15 metres to 9 metres without compromising safety. Where possible, markings are aligned with existing driveways to avoid reducing available parking space.
Why these changes matter
Metlink’s newer buses are fully accessible, but to take full advantage of this, buses need to stop parallel to the kerb. This ensures customers can board and exit with step-free access—crucial for those with mobility challenges.
Aligning these bus stop designs with NZTA’s Public Transport Design Guidelines ensures all passengers can board safely and comfortably - no matter the stop’s size or usage.
Consultation Feedback
Please provide feedback about this proposal by 5pm, Friday, 27 February 2026, using one of the following options:
- Visit the Metlink website
- By email to info@metlink.org.nz
- On the form attached to the letter in your mail box (add additional pages if required) and use the freepost envelope provided.
Your feedback will help Metlink develop the final proposal, which will be presented to the Upper Hutt City Council for their consideration.
If you are a tenant and renting from a landlord, we kindly ask that you share this letter with them for their information and input into this consultation.
Thank you for participating in this process.
